Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd. (KICL), a Chennai-based diversified business conglomerate, has drawn up an ambitious roadmap to contribute at least 10% of India’s footwear exports by 2030 and support the country’s emergence as a leading global footwear manufacturing and design hub.
The company has partnered with global players in the footwear industry and created manufacturing infrastructure capable of producing 80 million pairs annually from two factories in Tamil Nadu. It is also planning an additional facility that will add another 40 million pairs a year to its capacity.
Five-pillar strategy
Under the leadership of Rafiq Jinnah Ahmed, KICL is seeking to strengthen its presence in the footwear sector through a strategy focused on employment generation, manufacturing excellence, brand development, design education and skill enhancement.
The company’s footwear roadmap is built on five pillars: creating employment opportunities, particularly for women from underprivileged communities; partnering with Indian manufacturers to serve global brands; building domestic and international brands; promoting design education; and developing industry-ready skills.
Manufacturing expansion
A key milestone in KICL’s footwear business has been its joint venture with Taiwan-based Evervan Shoe Town Group, under which it has established two footwear manufacturing facilities in Tamil Nadu.
The first unit located in Perambalur, is producing footwear for global brand Crocs, while the second facility in Karur is scheduled to commence production for Adidas from July 2026.
Export opportunities
The two facilities have been set up within a short period and will together have a production capacity of nearly 80 million pairs annually.
According to the company, the projects are expected to generate significant employment opportunities and strengthen India’s footwear exports.
Support for Indian manufacturers
KICL is also extending support to Indian footwear manufacturers, including Aldo and GAS, by providing technology and systems support. Discussions are underway with other industry participants for potential collaborations.
The company said strengthening domestic manufacturing capabilities would help Indian firms integrate more effectively into global supply chains.
Brand-building plans
On the consumer brand front, KICL holds a 30-year licence for the Kickers brand across nine countries, including India. Targeted at Gen Z consumers, the brand has opened five exclusive stores and established a presence in nearly 100 multi-brand outlets within a year of launch.
The company plans to expand the retail footprint further and introduce the globally recognised Kickers Kids range in the Indian market.
Retail expansion
KICL has also acquired the Zodiz and Jeetlo brands, which are currently available through more than 2,500 retail outlets across the country.
The company aims to expand the brands’ reach across India and increase their presence to between 15,000 and 20,000 retail outlets by 2030.
“KICL goal is to contribute at least 10% of India’s footwear exports by 2030 and help establish India as Leading global footwear manufacturing and design hub,” said Chairman Rafiq Jinnah Ahmed.